This Thursday, the United States Embassy in Cuba celebrated the tenth anniversary of its reopening in Havana, reaffirming its commitment to the Cuban people through a heartfelt message and a video showcasing the visits of the current Chief of Mission, Mike Hammer, to various provinces on the island. "We remain dedicated to supporting the Cuban people's aspirations for a better future," the diplomatic mission announced on the social media platform X, alongside a video highlighting Hammer's visits to Güines, San Antonio de los Baños, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Varadero, Bejucal, and Cienfuegos, among other locations.
During these trips, Hammer has engaged in activities such as playing dominoes with young people in Camagüey, conversing with residents in neighborhoods affected by power outages, visiting artists like Abel Lescay, and meeting with religious figures and volunteers. This direct engagement has provoked a strong reaction from the Cuban regime, resulting in organized acts of repudiation, like the one at the Lanchita de Regla, media discredit campaigns, accusations of interference, and summonses to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Hammer has reported being under constant surveillance and recorded during each of his visits.
Historical Context of U.S.-Cuba Diplomatic Relations
The anniversary marks a pivotal moment in the recent history of Cuba and the United States. On July 20, 2015, after more than half a century without diplomatic relations, Washington and Havana reopened their embassies. This was the outcome of the historic thaw announced in December 2014 by Barack Obama and Raúl Castro, which included the removal of Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism and the resumption of ferry travel. Obama called the reopening "a historic step forward" and urged Congress to lift the embargo, though full normalization was contingent upon issues such as the return of the Guantánamo Naval Base and respect for human rights.
However, a decade later, during Joe Biden's administration, former Undersecretary of State Brian Nichols expressed disappointment that "the reforms we hoped to see in Cuba did not occur." Repressive policies continued, and the rapprochement was largely reversed by sanctions from the previous Trump administration, further reinforced during his current tenure, including Cuba's re-addition to the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
Against this backdrop of renewed tensions and economic crisis on the island, the embassy's message and Hammer's tours aim to keep alive the spirit of dialogue with the Cuban people. "A promise made is a promise kept," the diplomat has stated, reaffirming his intention to continue traveling across the island and engaging with ordinary citizens, away from official halls, in a gesture that combines political symbolism with human connection.
Understanding the U.S.-Cuba Diplomatic Developments
What was the significance of the U.S. Embassy reopening in Havana?
The reopening of the U.S. Embassy in Havana marked a significant step in re-establishing diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba after over 50 years, symbolizing a new era of dialogue and cooperation.
How has the U.S. engagement with Cuba changed under different administrations?
Under the Obama administration, there was a move towards thawing relations, which included the embassy reopening. However, the Trump administration reversed many of these efforts, re-imposing sanctions and adding Cuba back to the state sponsors of terrorism list. The Biden administration has expressed disappointment over the lack of reforms in Cuba.
Why has the Cuban regime reacted negatively to Hammer's visits?
The Cuban regime views Hammer's direct engagement with the Cuban people as interference in its internal affairs, leading to organized acts of repudiation and media campaigns to discredit his efforts.